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Have you spotted a skink?

We’re lucky in Napier to have a very special species of skink on our doorstep – the
kōkōwai/northern spotted skink!

About the kōkōwai/northern spotted skink

The kōkōwai/northern spotted skink are making Napier Foreshore their home. These skinks were once widespread from Hawke’s Bay to Wellington and in Marlborough/Tasman, but now they are almost extinct on mainland North Island. Their large size makes them vulnerable to introduced predators and they require complex habitat with good cover.

A group of partners are working together to make our foreshore a better home for them. 

Fun facts about skinks

  • The kōkōwai are relatively large for a NZ skink, growing to around 20cm in length.
  • Skinks eat invertebrates like crickets, cockroaches and spiders, as well as fruit!

You can learn more about skinks at reptiles.org.nz 

Have you spotted a skink?

Keep your eyes peeled on the foreshore and if you’re lucky enough to spot one we’d love to hear about it... please fill in this online form below.

Follow this link if the form fails to load. online form.
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